We are delighted that Beach Craft Spirits has been backed in parliament by our local MSP and we were lucky enough that he also took time to pay us a visit.

SNP MSP Richard Lochhead made a motion of support for Beach Craft Spirits.

In the motion, Mr Lochhead asked the parliament to “welcome the company’s plans to use local suppliers and companies to ensure the best quality ingredients” and added that he “believes that Moray is a fantastic hub for craft produce and that the rum distillery would be a welcome addition to the areas excellent food and drink industry.”

Mr Lochhead then followed up the motion with a visit to our premises at Covesea near Lossiemouth.

He said: “I was delighted to meet with Lara and David to hear more about their plans to open a craft rum distillery right here on the Moray coast. Moray is fantastic hub for craft produce and clearly Beach Craft Spirits would be a fantastic addition to the local food and drink sector.

“To be the first craft rum distillery in Scotland to offer crowdfunding makes their plans that bit more special and I hope in the final days, people in Moray and across the country get behind the project and help them reach their target.”

Speaking of the motion and visit, Lara said: “We are over the moon with the support we have received from Mr Lochhead. To take this to parliament is really something and is quite overwhelming. To then take the time out of what must be a very busy schedule to visit us, was extremely supportive. He has encouraged us not to give up, not that that was ever an option.”

We have been crowdfunding since August to raise £35,000 to set up the distillery. The crowdfunding effort stops on November 9.

David said: “The visit from Mr Lochhead has come at just the right time. The crowdfunding finishes next week, and having a visit from him was a real boost and has given us the determination and confidence to keep going with our plans.”

He added: “Once November 9th comes there will not be a chance for people to back us in this way, so we want to encourage as many as people as possibly to visit our website and support us.”

Lara and David are using www.Crowdfunder.co.uk to promote their distillery. They are offering seven different exclusive benefits packages for backers ranging from £15 to £1000.

Investors that donate a minimum of £15 will secure themselves a plaque with their name on it which will be displayed on the distillery wall.

Whilst those putting in the top level of funding of £1000 will get the plaque plus two VIP tickets to the launch party, two first batch bottles of spiced rum, two first batch bottles of intense rum, two first batch bottles of sloe rum. They will also get two Beach Craft Spirits t-shirts, one hoodie, two bags containing rum stones, two branded glasses, one 36Knots collaboration beanie hat. A £1000 backer will also take home an exclusive 3-year-old aged rum in a driftwood presentation case signed by the distiller, be treated to a tour of the distillery for two people and they will receive samples every six months to help shape the new product development for the first three years.